A very lucky SKIDZ Motor Project student named George was fortunate to meet Ross Brawn on a visit with SKIDZ to MERCEDES GP PETRONAS Formula One Team at Brackley. Ross Brawn very generously offered him a week-long placement in the factory; this was arranged for the last week in April. George was extremely lucky to be placed in the Car Build Department where the two cars were returning from China after the Grand Prix event the week before.
The hours of work were 8.30am – 5.30pm Monday to Friday with an hour for lunch. Due to the nature of the business, George had to sign a Confidentiality Agreement and abide by all the Company’s Policies and Procedures, including Health & Safety.
On arrival George was given an overall and shown around the factory. He spent the week working with a team of 10 mechanics to dismantle the cars and clean them thoroughly. He helped to spray both and also worked on melting the moulding that protects the front of the cars when on the track. He helped clean all the screws which were rusty after racing in the wet conditions in China.
Clearly George has had a wonderful experience and was made to feel very welcome by the staff at MERCEDES GP PETRONAS. He had an opportunity to meet Nico Rosberg and Ross and came away with signed caps. The team have asked if he would be happy to return if there is more work for him to do as they were impressed by his work ethic and ability. George also commented on the fantastic full English Breakfasts and wonderful lunches in the staff restaurant.
The week would not have been possible without the full co-operation of Ross Brawn and the MERCEDES GP PETRONAS staff who helped to make it all possible so our sincere thanks to everyone for the effort they put in to make this a very special experience for George. In addition a very big thank you to George’s Grandfather – Mr Jim Franklin, who very kindly ferried George on his daily expedition to and from Brackley – a trip of 56 miles each way.
Today we have heard from MERCEDES GP PETRONAS – “It was a pleasure to have George with us for a week and great way to start our relationship with SKIDZ. As George has good mechanical ability he was able to fit into the F1 team environment straight away and contribute positively to the team. Our mechanics enjoyed showing George the ropes and all of them became teachers and mentors for a week, which was interesting to watch. Hopefully this experience will help George pursue his dream of becoming an F1 mechanic and everyone here at MERCEDES GP PETRONAS Formula One Team wish him all the best.” Peter Hodgkinson – Build Operations Manager.
